Total number of butterfish inside and outside Taputeranga Marine Reserve

Download the data used in the graph (XLXS, 15K)

See research and monitoring for information about how this data was collected.

Status: undetermined

The number of butterfish (greenbone, mararī) inside Taputeranga Marine Reserve has fluctuated in the last 5 years, but is higher than outside the marine reserve. Because the natural level of butterfish in the marine reserve is uncertain, the health status of this species cannot be assessed at this time.

Wellington’s south coast is popular with fishers. Marine reserves have no walls, so butterfish may be caught if they move outside the marine reserve.

Trend: undetermined

The number and average size of butterfish inside Taputeranga Marine Reserve has increased and decreased in the last 5 years so a trend has not been given.

By preventing fishing and other disturbance, a marine reserve enables an area of sea and shore to return to a more natural state. Research in other marine reserves has shown that the full benefit of protection can usually be seen after 10 years or more. The data from Taputeranga Marine Reserve currently covers 8 years of protection, so future studies may show more positive effects such as larger and more plentiful fish.